MUSKOKA TOP LIFESTYLE GUIDE

SUSAN BROWN’S MUSKOKA GUIDE THE VERY BEST OF COTTAGE COUNTRY

Lake of Bays and Huntsville are the perfect destinations from which to explore everything that’s great about Muskoka.

From here you’re an easy drive to world-class resorts such as Deerhurst, famous as the site of Canada’s G8 summit of world leaders in 2010, as well as some of the best open water for boats and personal watercraft. Those who enjoy paddling canoes and kayaks are also spoilt for choice, thanks in particular to the proximity of Ontario’s largest provincially protected wilderness, Algonquin Park, which offers an endless variety of routes and overnight camping opportunities.

The area boasts numerous excellent attractions, too. Perhaps the most famous is the RMS Segwun, North America’s oldest still-operating steamship. Based in the town of Gravenhurst – the ‘Gateway to Muskoka’ – a great time to visit this wonderful old vessel is during the always fun Antique and Classic Boat Show, which draws hundreds of elegant old wooden boats from across the US and Canada.

And, of course, Lake of Bays has its own famous ship: the SS Bigwin, once the property of Bigwin Island, now offers sightseeing trips around the lake.
Equally famous is Santa’s Village in Bracebridge, a fun family getaway that’s been drawing the crowds to the summer vacation home of old St Nick for over 60 years now.

And then of course there’s Muskoka’s superb shopping. Any seasoned shopper to the region knows by heart the key places to pick up great souvenirs, gifts and clothing, including Robinsons General Store in Dorset, Muskoka Bear Wear (five locations, including Huntsville), Algonquin Outfitters (also in Huntsville and other locales) and, of course, Yummies in a Jar for sweet or savoury treats.

To learn more of Susan’s favourite things in cottage country, be sure to explore her frequently updated Muskoka Guide.

The Fight to Protect Muskoka’s Bala Falls

Blog by Susan Brown | May 22nd, 2017

When Swift River Energy Ltd. announced their plans to build a hydro-electric project – a 4.5-megawatt run-of-river water power facility in Bala Falls, many people expressed their concern regarding the negative effects it would potentially cause to one of Muskoka’s natural treasures. The hydro-electric generating stationis scheduled to be constructed in the area where Lake Muskoka flows into the Moon River, near a park where visitors get to enjoy magnificent views of the waterfalls.

The people of Muskoka see the Bala Falls as a key attraction that drives the area’s economy. Many believe that if Swift River Energy Ltd. pushes through with the proposed project, it would cause irreversible damage to the landscape and Bala Falls itself, severely crippling the area’s businesses and economy, not to mention killing thousands of fish thatcould potentially get caught in the facility’s fast-spinning turbines.

While hydro-electric power plants are considered a good, clean source of energy, in this particular case, the negative effects certainly outweigh the benefits. For one, it would make the shorelines along the river unsafe. Recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, and boating on the river will be rendered a thing of the past once the facility is in place. With most of Bala Falls’ water drawn into the gathering station, it would lead to the end of the falls itself, as well as the influx of tourists who all look forward to spending an enjoyable day in beautiful, natural surroundings.

Many of the people’s resentment stems from theirbelief that Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment doesn’t seem to be looking at the project thoroughly– disregarding economic impact studies, allowing incomplete and incorrect blueprints of the plant, and completely ignoring the harm it may cause to the fish and their natural habitat, among other things.

As of now, the hydroelectric facility still needs to secure several important permits and approvals before they can start construction. Many residents actively push for the cancellation of the project, organizing protests and rallies that oppose the hydroelectric facility, in hopes of saving Bala Falls and retaining the natural beauty of one of Muskoka’s world-class attractions.